[ad_1]
- Using cannabis for pain – This should be easier in Switzerland in the future. The National Council would like to abolish the federal government exemption that was previously necessary.
- This would make it easier for doctors to prescribe cannabis. For pleasure reasons, the use of cannabis would also be prohibited under the new regulations.
- Now the Council of States has to decide on the simplification of medical cannabis prescriptions.
Anyone who is dependent on cannabis-based medications should be able to obtain them more easily from their doctor. As the first councilor, the National Council followed the proposal of the Federal Council and approved the corresponding reform to the Narcotics Law.
Doctors should now be able to prescribe cannabis drugs directly on prescription. Today they have to get a waiver from the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) before prescribing. Regine Sauter (FDP / ZH) said the current regulation is no longer up to date.
Cannabis is still an addictive substance.
However, by law, doctors are still required to report treatments to the FOPH. The National Council required that the BAG also collect data on side effects during follow-up. Cannabis remains an addictive substance, said Jörg Mäder (GLP / ZH) of the preliminary advisory commission.
Private cultivation is not possible
The amendment to the law also regulates the cultivation, production, processing and marketing of medicinal cannabis. Swissmedic is meant to be the licensing authority. A minority around Léonore Porchet (Greens / VD) suggested that patients should be allowed to grow the cannabis they need in private with special permission. However, the motion did not obtain a majority with 124 to 67 votes. The app found support not only from the Greens but also from the SP.
The fact that the issue of costs has not been resolved creates inequality. Today only those who have the necessary change can take advantage of a treatment.
Verena Herzog (SVP / TG) demanded in her minority motion that doctors should not explicitly quit cannabis for smoking. Roland Fischer (GLP / LU) responded that it was a medical question that should not be answered by politicians, but by doctors. Herzog also demanded that patients have to carry a prescription, which they must show to authorities if necessary. Both minority motions were clearly rejected.
The Federal Council clarifies the assumption of costs
The law does not regulate who pays for cannabis medications. Mattea Meyer (SP / ZH) said that the cost issue was not resolved, creating an inequality. Today, only those who have the necessary change can take advantage of a treatment. The Greens also called on the Federal Council to quickly find a solution to funding.
Health Minister Alain Berset said there was a review of how effective and efficient cannabis therapies are. Depending on the circumstances, the therapies may be covered by health insurance companies. The report is expected next year.
In the end, the National Council approved the bill by 143 votes to 33 and 15 abstentions. The matter goes to the Council of States.
